Black Joy on the Ranch: SD Melanin’s Blacktoberfest Rides Into San Diego

October 23, 2025

SD Melanin hosted its first "Blacktoberfest" event at S&S Friendly Ranch, San Diego's oldest Black-owned ranch, creating an atmosphere that combined HBCU homecoming spirit with West Coast culture. Attendees dressed in Western attire, enjoyed interacting with wildlife, listened to DJ Speakerboxx, participated in line dancing classes led by D'Bora, and supported Black-owned businesses selling culturally significant items. Founder Loren Cobbs emphasized the organization's mission to create safe, high-caliber experiences where the Black community can freely exist regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Who is affected

San Diego's Black community
Attendees of Blacktoberfest
Black-owned businesses and vendors at the event
S&S Friendly Ranch and its legacy staff
Black individuals of different sexual orientations and gender identities

What action is being taken

SD Melanin is hosting cultural events like Blacktoberfest for the Black community
The organization is partnering with S&S Friendly Ranch to support Black-owned businesses
Vendors are selling handcrafted jewelry and graphic T-shirts rooted in Black culture
D'Bora is leading line dance classes at the event
DJ Speakerboxx is providing musical entertainment

Why it matters

Creates safe spaces for Black individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
Supports Black economic community through partnerships with Black-owned venues and businesses
Preserves and celebrates Black culture through a fusion of HBCU homecoming traditions and West Coast culture
Continues the legacy of S&S Friendly Ranch, which was founded to maintain local partnerships and foster agricultural education
Fulfills SD Melanin's mission of building community and creating joy

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint